SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1925, Page 12

SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS

FOURTH ORCHESTRAL CONCERTThe Concert Chamber of the Town Hall was well filled last: evening, when the Society pf Musicians’ Orchestra gave their’ fourth concert of the sear?/m. The conductor, Mr. Chas. W. Kerry, had a well-balanced'band of 44 instrumentalists under excellent control, and a programme was submitted which furnished a rich musical treat, and had enthusiasm going throughout the whole evening. The concert opened with Beethoven’s symphony, No. 1, C Major, which was played with grace and charm throughout the four movements. The orchestra were at their best in the fourth movement, and the light-hearted spirit of youth was artistically portrayed in the finale. The same comnoser’s overture, “Leonore,” No. 3, followed, and the noble composition, which expresses courage which shall brave danger and death, was interpreted in a manner which aroused the greatest enthusiasm. The large house applauded to the echo as. the wdnderful tone poem concluded in a wildlv passionate rush of joy. The second half of the programme opened with Saint-Saens’ Prelude to “The Deluge,” which gave the strings an opportunity of which they took full advantage. Mrs. Meier (first violin) Miss Kennedy (second violin), Mrs. Aldridge (viola), and Mr. Booth (’cello), scored a marked success in the string quartet, with pizzicato accompaniment by all the strings. Coleridge-Taylor’s “Four Characteristic Waltzes” was a delightful performance, and this was followed by Delahaye’s charming minuet, “Columbine.” The concert concluded with an exquisite rendering of Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” suite, (a) “Morning Mood,” (b) “Death of Ase,” (c) “Anitra’s Dance,” and fd) “In tlie Hall of tlie Mountain King.” The orchestra was given a well-deserved ovation at the close' of tlie brilliant performance. During the interval, Sir. F. G. Cray, vice-president of the society, said that the present was tlie fourth and last concert of the season, but it was intended to arrange another series next vear, and he was sure from the appreciation with which the orchestra’s efforts had been received that they would be justified in securing a larger hall. Thqy had at present 48 subscribing members, but he saw no reason why this number should not be increased to 500, which would relieve them of all financial anxietv. They were proud of tlie orchestra, and extremely, fortunate in possessing such a competent conductor as Mr. Kerry to train the band. Mr, Kerry did the work without fee or reward, and he hoped that when they had an increased membership they would be able to recompense him for his generosity. Mr. Cray thanked the public for the measure of’support which had been accorded the orchestra, and hoped it would become one of the city’s permanent institutions. At the speaker’s instance, a hearty vote of Uianks was carried to Mr. Kerry by acclamation. „ ~ In returning thanks, Mr. Kerry saia that the orchestra, deserved all the credit. The conductor usually got all the 'honour and glory, while the chestra did all the work. He was proud of the orchestra.